On 27 August, the European Commission presented a delegated regulation supplementing Regulation 2023/2842 on control of fisheries.
This text, which will come into force on 10 January 2026, introduces enhanced digital measures, such as satellite vessel monitoring and electronic catch reporting systems, to combat fraud and guarantee traceability.
However, in view of the concerns expressed about certain provisions relating to traceability, the European Commission considered it appropriate to withdraw them. Several European fisheries ministers had called for greater flexibility in the application of the new rules (see EUROPE 13666/10).
Member States will have to ensure the real-time monitoring of ships entering and leaving protected or restricted areas, or face penalties. In the event of a technical failure in the tracking systems, the skippers will have to transmit their position manually every four hours.
The text also provides for targeted inspections against the use of forced labour on board, with precise indicators to identify abuses, and to strengthen the powers of independent observers on board. Serious infringements will be penalised by a points system applied to shipowners and captains, which could lead to the suspension or permanent withdrawal of their licence. Member States will have three years to adapt their tools, or risk facing a reduction in their fishing quotas if they fail to do so.
Finally, the European Commission insists on the need for cooperation between countries and transparency, while guaranteeing that sensitive commercial data will not be made public.
The text: https://aeur.eu/f/i8p (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)